Woodward Inc. and United Technologies Corp., which together represent the largest private employers in Rockford, Loves Park and Rockton, reported mixed earnings this week.

United Technologies, parent company of Taylor Co. in Rockton and UTC Aerospace Systems, reported its sale increased 2 percent year over year to $14.7 billion in its first quarter. Net income, however, dropped slightly from $1.27 billion to $1.21 billion because of increased restructuring costs.

Taylor is a part of the UTC Climate Controls and Security segment, and sales there increased just 0.4 percent. UTC Aerospace sales increased 5.8 percent from 2013 to $3.45 billion. United Technologies employs nearly 3,000 between its Rockton and Rockford operations.

Woodward Inc. is the largest private employer in Loves Park with about 1,400 employees. Woodward reported a 0.6 percent decline in sales down to $482.5 million in its second quarter. The company’s net income rose 5.6 percent to $44.8 million because of lower costs of goods sold and administrative expenses.

Its aerospace segment, which includes virtually all of its local workers, saw its sales decline 4 percent year over year to $261 million.

The company said lower than expected defense sales more than offset an increase in commercial aircraft sales.

United Technologies is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol UTX. Woodward Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol WWD.